You ask "I would appreciate any information regarding the difference in approach between aikiken techniques, classical kenjutsu and kendo."

Saito Sensei has told me that aiki-ken is a unique practice different from the other two. He said that one of the fundamental differences is that when we practice with the bokken we are also thinking of taijutsu applications. Many have observed that aiki-ken on its own is not a complete practice and in Iwama Style Aikido we practice riai, the combined system of aikiweapons and taijutsu.

Also, we are usually working with bokken, not live swords or shinau so there are some differences there. But go ahead and train kendo, it will give you more options.